Too Much
Having a blog means you write about whatever your passion is. Well, mine is Doctor Who and this season fans watch a completely different show than what they saw the last ten years. This article gives many different changes to Doctor Who which points to those changes being the biggest ever. Even though they are the biggest, there is a question to ask. Are all the changes too much too soon.
Everyone who is a fan needs to understand is Doctor Who survives because of change. Change is a part of its DNA, therefore it takes place every few years. Thanks to the early producers and showrunners choosing to make the change with the lead character because of illness. Doctor Who remains because of that becoming an integral part of the show. The changes took place even before the regeneration of Bill Hartnell into Patrick Troughton. Because of companions leaving, a change was inevitable.
When one looks at the fans of the classic show, you see men and women who have seen lots of changes. Companions changed more often than the Doctor and just as you get use to one they leave and you get one or two new ones. But the changing of companions is not as big as the changing of the Doctor, and that is a true statement because he/she is who the show revolves.
Every fan knows the changes made to Doctor Who this season are massive. Not only did they change the Doctor, but the gender as well. Which did not sit well with many older fans? The question one may ask is why it didn’t sit well with them? Which is a good question and one which only they can answer?
Let’s delve into this a little further or at least say a little bit about it. Okay, what if John Nathan-Turner had cast a female to replace Tom Baker. What does everyone think the reaction would be? Word is that Nathan-Turner thought about changing gender in 1980 when he cast Peter Davison as the fifth Doctor. At that time, the world was a lot different. Women had more rights then than in the 1960’s, but things were not as advanced as now. But at that time Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister of England. So, in the UK it may not have been such a big deal.
Thinking about it, maybe it would have been better if gender change happened in the 1980’s. As fans look at it, they may ask the question, had Nathan-Turner cast a female as the Doctor does the show get canceled before she decides she is done? Which if that happens Doctor Who is canceled nine years earlier. Fans will not know the answers to those questions because it did not take place.
Well, looking at today’s changes, one can see where the older fans can see where it may be too much too soon. Most people don’t do good with change. Especially, when it ie as drastic as the ones to Doctor Who. Not all fans dislike the change, but they will need some time to adjust to what they are getting. Change can be uncomfortable no matter where it happens.
Those older fans who see it being too much too soon may leave for a little while. They may need more time to adjust to all the changes and before come back. But then they may not ever come back. Who knows? Yes, it is a lot to deal with and some will not return, but then there are those who will return. These fans don’t need to be badgered and talked down to, but that goes both ways. Those willing to stay even with the changes don’t need to be badgered either.
Whether you think the changes are positive or negative, we are all Whovians and should band together because of our love for Doctor Who. Since the gender change, there has been too much negativity. Doctor Who is Doctor Who no matter what fans think or say. Change is evitable, so whether you like the changes or not. We are all still Doctor Who fans.
2 comments
Great article. I am not generally a fan of change but I love it the new direction. I look forward to each episode. Looking back I remember that I didn’t want Tennant to go (get it. “I dont want to go”), but after a few episodes of Matt I now can’t go to work without a bowtie. Then when Matt Smith regenerated I really could have used a phone call like Clara recieved to help me accept the new “old” guy, (pretty ironic since I’m an “old” guy). By the third episode though, Capaldi became the embodiment of every Doctor before him and I had found my favorite of all time. Then comes the announcement…a female Doctor. I was upset and even told my son “I’m not even going to watch anymore”. I was so glad I recanted my threat. She had me at hello. On the very first episode, she falls through the roof of a train, she hates empty pockets, she is witty, cool and clever at the same time. She even builds her own sonic, out of spoons no less (Remember Capaldi defeats Robin Hood with one just like it), seriously, how cool is that? Consequently by the time she realized who she really was while on that crane I realized the same thing, Jodie Whittaker IS the Doctor. Give her a chance gang, we all love Doctor Who. Find the good and be glad we have the show to look forward to each week. Abraham Lincoln said, “If we look for the worst in someone don’t be surprised if we find it.” Let’s just look for the good, chill out and enjoy the greatest franchise ever!
View CommentI am an older viewer and have nothing against The Doctor being a woman. I don’t think it is just a matter of those who have watched for a long time, but more about those with gender issues not being broadminded enough and that covers older and younger viewers. This is an issue in all aspects of society and is older than I am.
Re the current Doctor, I have forgotten already after very few episodes her gender. I think it was even more noticable at the start due to all the hype pre start of this series. To be honest with all previous Doctors when they regenerate it takes a while to warm to the new one, in particular if you really like the previous. However after a while one gets into the current Doctor.
So far I am more irritated that they have made this Doctor talk a little too much. I would like her calmed down a bit. They seem to be trying too hard. I know that as David Tennant was one of the most popular of all Doctors they appear to be leaning toward his style of personality but he did it better. I think this happens when they try to immitate and I hope after time she developes a more original personality and calms it a little. Then that would give her more longevity imo. An actor if good enough will make mute any issue with gender. It is early days though so I shall reserve judgment on this series and the future of this Doctor.
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